Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas 1980 (and 2008)

Back in 1980, the Johnston family lived in Lynn Lake, Manitoba; and if I remember correctly, Rod Johnston had not yet developed his fascination with model trains. However, if today’s reprint in For Better or For Worse is any indication, showing John Patterson enthralled with Super Speedway racing set he got for Christmas, then Rod Johnston must have always had an interest in motorized miniature models. Later on in the strip annals, when John Patterson developed his love for elaborate model train sets, there would occasionally be a strip where a kid or kids would be jealous he got to play with it, and he alone. It appears the tradition for that kind of strip started in 1980, and I wouldn’t be surprised if little Aaron Johnston did express jealousy, when Rod Johnston got better toys than he did. A hint to the wise, don’t give yourselves gifts your kids will prefer to the gifts they got.

In the meantime, reprint or not, this strip is so much better than last years’ For Better or For Worse on Christmas Day, I am quite happy about that. Merry Christmas, those of you who celebrate today and a happy holiday season to the rest of you.

2 Comments:

Blogger DreadedCandiru2 said...

howard,

It appears the tradition for that kind of strip started in 1980, and I wouldn’t be surprised if little Aaron Johnston did express jealousy, when Rod Johnston got better toys than he did. A hint to the wise, don’t give yourselves gifts your kids will prefer to the gifts they got.

That is an assy thing to do to someone. Not as assy as begrudging someone the opportunity to say Grace because it makes you wait ninety seconds before wolfing down piping hot food but it's pretty bad.

It also bothered me that John had this hands-off attitude about his damned trains when he felt there should be no obstacle towards his playing with his children's toys. It was as if he was a big, mean, selfish child himself.

2:06 AM  
Blogger April Patterson said...

Merry Christmas, howtheduck and HBB readers!

This morning, my 5.5-year-old woke up before us (6:50, though--not 5:45) and, without worrying about his parents, began to open his presents by himself. When I heard how quiet things were downstairs, I got up and found the unwrapping in progress. :)

5:06 AM  

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